Laing O’Rourke introduces first dedicated Indigenous Procurement Policy

Construction firm Laing O’Rourke has released its first dedicated Indigenous Procurement Policy this week to help create opportunities and build sustainable relationships with Indigenous businesses and communities.

Laing O’Rourke’s Head of Procurement Jackie Aggett said the new Indigenous Procurement Policy was developed to help boost the capabilities of Indigenous businesses in the construction sector.

“This policy sets a new standard for engaging with our Indigenous supply chain and delivery partners,” Ms. Aggett said.

“It includes a new minimum target spend (of the total value of goods and services procured) for all projects, regardless of the client requirements, starting at 1.5 per cent this year and stretching to 4 percent in the long term.”

Laing O’Rourke is also a sponsor of Supply Nation Connect 2017 – Australia’s largest supplier diversity Knowledge Forum, Indigenous Business Tradeshow and Gala Awards Dinner being held in Sydney in June.

The construction firm’s Head of Diversity, Inclusion & Indigenous Affairs Jacqueline Minney said the policy will be incorporated into Laing O’Rourke’s new Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, to be released in coming weeks.

“Our involvement on large scale projects located in or close to Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander communities give us a unique opportunity to make a significant contribution to help close the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people,” Ms. Minney said.